Apples2

Meredith...you gotta be able to eat. I guess I would contact my doc and have a bit taken out and see how it goes. Happy to hear you had a nice Thanksgiving. Aren't grandmas and aunties the best? Sounds like they both took care of all of you.

Thanks for the compliments Phyll, Linda and Arlene. I NEVER like photos of myself. I think most ppl are that way. I like my hair a bit shorter...feel like the longer it is, the more haggard I look. They always say the older you get, the shorter you should go. Gonna go in and get younger in a couple of weeks. New Christmas "do". As I said last night, Lori and I had a lovely visit and was happy to drive just to see her. Did a bit of shopping after she left. Walked out with empty arms. Was surprised that the mall was not very busy. I am done Christmas shopping and need nothing as far as clothes go. Most of the stores were having some pretty good deals. Could have loaded up but trying to just buy what I need...not what I want. Trying to figure out some cookie recipes. Have a cookie exchange with a bunch of girls that I used to be in a Homemakers club with (a good 25-30 yrs since we were all together in club). Need to make 6 different kinds of cookies. Will come up with something and most likely start baking on Sat. Exchange is on Monday. Kind of a nice way to do Christmas baking and have a nice variety. In the thick of corn harvest. Long days, short nights. Think it is starting to catch up with me and DH and DS. We were all together this afternoon and all of us a little silly and bumpy!

Just got back from meeting Lori. Was a bit farther drive than I thought but a beautiful day for a drive. We met for lunch at a bar and grill at the mall. Had a nice visit. Lori is every bit as gracious and nice as she is in her posts. Only one surprise....she's much taller than I pictured her. If I had to describe her in one word I would have to say classy. Very beautiful woman and NO WRINKLES...very young looking. Hope you all had a great Sat. Time to feed the crew. Will check back later.

Hang in there, Arlene...the holidays are a tough one. Try your hardest to get out and walk and exercise. I know that when I am trying to lose, I just hate undoing the time I have taken for exercise. I seem to be much more diligent when I have worked really hard physically. Sometimes after a holiday meal, a person is retaining water for a few days. Most likely more salt content than one is used to.:biggrin: Christmas music is on...gifts being wrapped....singing...happy. Life is good!:thumbup:

Mornin' Everyone...sounds like you all had a great TG. Ours was wonderful. Soooooooo much food. I, too, came home stuffed. A little "pouch packing" going on yesterday. Actually did not overdo on the amount of food I ate but so many different combinations of food did not sit well in the tummy. Was up and ready to go at 5:15. Wanted to get into town for a sale. I am not one to venture out on Black Friday but knew it was safe in our little town. We have the store that has everything you could imagine. From farm parts, clothing, housewares to anything a person would need. Youngest DS (26) has to semi-dress up for work each day. Every year for Christmas, I buy him a new wardrobe. He is easy to please, unlike #1 DS. The store was doing 30% off clothing so I took advantage. Found him (everything Columbia brand) 7 shirts, 2 vests, 2 jackets, 6 prs of socks, 2 casual slacks, 2 pair of jeans and a nice pair of leather Merrill shoes all of under $500. We were never ones to spoil our sons and load them up with useless thing for Christmas or birthdays. But, when it comes to things they really need I like to help them out. He will thank us a few times (already has when I called him to get shoe size) and we know it's appreciated. Anyway, that was my adventure for this morning. There was only one other person in the store for the first hour that I was there. Didn't get pushed, pulled or a thing taken out of my arms. Melissa...have a great girl's weekend. Like Eva said, we all need those once in awhile. Good to hear your turkey was a success. Have to somehow get this house in order, get my Christmas stuff out and organized. Going to try and get a share of it up on Sunday and Monday. (Takes me 9 hours just to do my one tree and then two other trees to think about). I know, I know....obssessive. But, we so enjoy it. Everyone have a great day. I am pretty stoked about meeting Lori tomorrow. Might even get the last bits of my Christmas shopping done. I'm down to 2 small gifts to buy. Going to get my wrapping done today too and get DS's gift in mail and also have about 1/2 doz boxes to send to Iraq for local boys and friend's of my two DS's.

Was going to mention but forgot. Meeting Great (Lori) in Watertown SD on Sat. I'm very excited for our meet. Will take photos and post when I get back.

Back at ya, Allie and Happy Thanksgiving to all the rest of the Junnies. Allie, took another quick peek at your TT photos. I am just amazed how wonderful you look. So close after surgery and you do not look swollen like most do. Sounds like you are doing great. I admire you for taking the steps you have. Take care of yourself. Don't oerdo today...let the girls (and Danny) do the dishes.

Phyll and Janet...you are so lucky to just pop in and see each other. Lucky you found each other on this board (?). Everyone's meals sound so good. Eva..your spreads sound similar to the ones I made. Have a St. Johns bread that we slice to put them on. Pies are all out of the oven and look pretty good (even though I say so myself..pat on the back). Had unexpected but welcome company that set me back a bit. Hi Linda! Planting a tree in "Mom's" farm yard today. Her GS lives there now. She loved her farm. We are putting right out from the kitchen window. She was one that stood at that window to make sure she knew what was going on. OK...off to get dressed and drive over for a day with the family. Thinking of all of you as you celebrate today.

Mike Meyers

OOPs on the cake taking longer, Arlene. Did you use the 8x8 or thge 9x13 pan? That would make a diff. My pumkin layer in the 9x13 is not real thick and bakes in the 30 min. I am sure you did great. Yep, Janet. Sounds like you have the food covered. Hope you have a great day. I am looking forward to tomorrow and being with my "fake" family. We just have such a good time cuz we honestly enjoy each others company. Everyone is gonna miss mom but there will be lots of stories and laughs...she was quite the character. Got my goodies driven to town. There's sixteen apts. and had four different treats made for them. Some never get out for TG and it just breaks my heart. I am going to go do the crosswords which did not get done last night and make popcorn. A bag for me, DH and one for the dog. Later.:thumbup:

Yeah, Diva, kind of feel like I cheated but I'll take that extra point anyway.:thumbup:

Mike Tyson?

Mahamed Ali

Rita Mereno? My fav when she guested on Sesame Street and one hot Maria in West Side Story. Ohhhhhh I envy her for being able to even stand beside James Dean!

Thanks for the update on Laura, Janet. You have a great time with your kids and have a Happy Thanksgiving. I'm like you...need a list or CRS. And, often drive the 15 miles to town and forgot list. Heck, I've driven the 15 miles to town JUST to make a deposit at the bank and forgot to bring the deposit with me. That is truly CRS! Linda...congrats on the continued weightloss. You are so close to your goal. Remember, that last weight can come off pretty slow so be very patient. It's easy to get frustrated but just focus on the final result. Now, surgery is not necessarily exciting but I am really excited for you that you are getting that hip taken care of. Just as I am for Lori to get that other knee replaced. Just to have it all behind you and to be able to move without pain again. You are going to notice such a difference. Cheri...ditto what LauraK. said. It takes a special person to work with kids at risk. There are many factors that contribute to kids that get "lost". Just nice that they trust you and actually come to you for help (even after the school day is over). You must have the knack. I can tell by your posts that you are very passionate about what you do. I do not respons to each post every day but I do read and want you to know I "listen" to what you are writing even though I don't always respond. We need teachers like you that do not let these kids fall through the cracks. Laura... I miss you and your posts. Always love hearing about Nels. Take care and post when you can. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoy your Thanksgiving with your family. I am sad to hear that your mother is taking all of this so hard. She might surprise you and get to that point where she accepts and starts the fight. Up early...have 10lbs of potatoes peeled, mashed and mixed with LF sour cream and LF cream cheese. Made a LF/SF fresh chopped peach and yogurt salad, tomato/basil/onion/cuke salad with LF dressing. Will make my pies, yams and bread in the morning since we are eating late. Have 12 loaves of pumpkin bread fresh out of the oven. I found the cutest little loaf ceramic holiday pans. I am making them for the little ladies that shared apt. building with "mom". Also making them little trays of white chocolate and milk chocolate peanut butter cups. They are all missing her so much. They played cards EVERY Tues afternoon and Thurs night and also Bingo on Friday nights. When I said goodbye to them the other day when I locked up, they were telling me that they are going to quit all their games because it would not be the same without "mom". It was always so nice because they would take turns hosting. Always trying to out-do each other with the spread of food they put out. Well, I want to put a little bug in their ear when I deliver their goodies today. I want to see if I can urge them to continue their fun little get togethers. Makes me sad to think they would just stop. Just want to catch some of you and say Happy Thanksgiving b/4 you get too busy. Have the best ever. Hope you are surrounded by friends and family and enjoy your day. I am thankful for each and every one of you.

Happy Birthday, Phyll. You are a wonderful asset to this board and have done an amazing job on your LB journey. Pretty nice to have a "resident nurse" on our thread. Have the best day ever and a very Happy Thanksgiving. Pot luck at the RV park? Sending loves and hugs. Hope they out to CA from MN b/4 the day ends.

Phil Hartman?

Thanks for the bday wishes. We farm in MN. The farm runs us ragged about nine months out of the year but we are very fortunate to have a few months to regroup in the winter. No livestock...just corn and soybeans.

Oh Janet...never even caught anything by what you said. I just felt that all by myself I did a little too much complaining in my post last night. No problem!:ohmy:

Eva...sounds like you are super busy with your job. At least you don't have to sit idle during the winter like around here after it freezes. Most of the ppl that have jobs like yours are laid off for six months out of the year. As far as DH getting in last night and what you suggested should happen...well, by the time I got the mud scraped off him and the grain dust blown off, the ole CPAP machine was on and he was snoring. We have a long winter coming....we'll see what we can do!

Mornin' All! Just want to thank you ALL for all the bday greetings. It really was a nice day and did NOT have a pout on about being alone. I am so used to going with the flow around here when it comes to farming. Once this corn is harvested and the stocks are chopped, DH will be around more. I'm not one to be clingy and will be pushing him back out the door to his shop a few days after he has completed harvest. Even though DH is a true workaholic he has taken 30 yrs to have breakfast and coffee with me for 1 1/2 hours almost every day of the week. Even if we need to get up a couple of hours early, we have always taken that time together. He has never forgotten a bday or an anniversary...he even remembered my LB bandiversary all on his own. He's one to be hit and miss with gifts (which I don't mind cuz just him remembering and making a card for each event makes it sooooooo special). When he does get me a gift, it's a big one. I don't have a spare finger due to the jewelry he as gotten me. He always says diamonds are a "good investment". I read that as he is "investing" in me! Anyway, I've never had to ask for a thing....it's usually in the toe of a Christmas stocking. If I come off as complaining about this life, I'm sorry and don't mean to come off that way. I DO appreciate my life. It's just that the plate is a little full sometimes. To make all this work, I sold my business and have been working from home for 9 yrs. It's much appreciated by DH and DS but some days I go mad not having anyone to talk to except the dog. Besides the farm, we have a full time ag tiling business and we also are 1/2 owners in a business where they sell an implement designed and made by DH and his partner. They sell in the US and Canada. During the winter DS and DH also design and build different types of implements to fit certain farmers needs and sell them. So, as you all can see, the plates are full and sometimes it builds to the point where it's too much for me and I'd like to just get a "simple" job in town. Now that I've written a book........ Meredith..happy to know you are going to try Phyll's and my recipes. I just freeze the leftovers in portion size cups and it is even better when reheated. Just take your time eating. Watch for signs after this fill. Once you irritate, you need to be careful and eat liquids or very soft foods. My doc had us on full solids after fills but I did not trust and did liquids for at least 24 hours. Thanks for the bday greetings. Julie...enjoy Mimi today. Hope your pain subsides and you can enjoy Thanksgiving. Don't overdo with that shoulder. On the road today. Couple of hour dirve to pick up farm parts and will fit in a Walmart and Target trip in there also. I love driving. Crank up the radio or CD and sing. Cheri...enjoy your trip and have fun with sis's family. Sounds like you need a break. DD will do fine with the turkey. You know you are an adult when you are allowed to make the first TG turkey! I must have been an adult at 10 cuz, if I remember right, that was my first all on my own. I needed help getting out of the oven. You all have a great day.

Janet...good to hear your scales are "unstuck". That's the thing I admire about you. You have a range where you are comfortable and will not allow yourself to go over your limitations on the scale. I think what made most of us fat to begin with was seeing that we were going up in weight, feeling defeated, and then giving up. You rock! I also have that same respect for slow losers. The ones that are so patient even though it takes them twice as long to lose.

BTW...not bragging about what I can eat..just sharing and still amazed by the amount of calories it takes.